CEO and CCO Discuss Farm Bill with Legislators
This week, our Chief Executive Officer Chad E. Crow and Chief Credit Officer Bobby Spinks had the opportunity to visit with some of our legislators regarding the upcoming Farm Bill. Included in the group was U.S. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi (pictured far left), U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana (pictured far right).
Why is the Farm Bill important?
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Federal Affairs Coordinator Justin Ferguson succinctly answers this question.
"On the farm side, those utilizing farm bill programs value risk management tools that offer certainty and predictability. Tools like crop insurance products, marketing loans and commodity programs help producers manage through tough times in order to be able to pass the family farm on to the next generation. Families are able to put dinner on the table thanks to nutrition assistance programs.
Voluntary, market-based incentives in conservation programs help provide producers with the tools and assistance needed to implement soil and water improvements. Rural communities have access to tools like broadband grants and new business loans authorized by the farm bill to help enhance economic development and attract growth.
Just as agriculture changes and adapts to meet the needs of the time, the farm bill is called upon to do the same to serve the needs of its constituents. Every five years or so, Congress passes a new farm bill to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world and ensure that critical programs continue to work for farmers and ranchers, families on a budget, and rural communities working to stay competitive."
(Full article can be found here: https://msfb.org/understanding-the-farm-bill-what-is-the-farm-bill-and-why-does-it-matter/)